Pediatricians are doctors concerned with the physical, emotional and social well-being of children from infancy to young adulthood. Although it is a specialty in itself, pediatrics also has multitudinous subspecialties ranging from neonatology, oncology and hematology to developmental-behavioral pediatrics and psychiatry. Those who choose to be pediatricians have to love being around children and advocating for children’s issues.

Steven Abrams lists many reasons pediatricians like him choose their occupation. "We’ve gone to medical school and found that we like to be around kids," he says. "The diseases children have are usually not self-inflicted, so you have the chance to do more preventative care." 

One of Abrams’ reasons particularly stood out: "It’s one of the few jobs where a doctor gets to hug his patients," explains the director of the Dell Pediatric Research Institute and professor of pediatrics at Dell Medical School at The University of Texas at Austin.

For most kids, interaction with a primary care pediatrician starts in infancy, far before they’ve developed communication skills. "We don’t always have the ability, especially with babies, to ask them to describe their pain," Abrams says. "We use a pain scale that’s based on heart rate and movement, and also a lot of visual experience. You become an expert at looking at children to determine if they’re sick." 

The profession is also unique because it includes a touch of advocacy. "There’s no AARP for children," Abrams says. "So often, pediatricians are the public voice. When I was in medical school I had no idea how much of the job involves advocacy and standing up for children. … You’re considered the expert on children’s issues, and that wasn’t a part of the job that I’d naturally known." 

These doctors exercise their voice on a smaller scale, too. "Our assumption is that the parents always know best for their children," Abrams says. "But there are standards of behavior we expect as well, and we have to make sure the parents are acting in their children’s best interests. You spend a lot of time talking to the parents about the care you’re giving their child, but you have to explain it to your patient, the child, as well." The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 0.9% employment growth for pediatricians between 2022 and 2032. In that period, an estimated 300 jobs should open up.

Like all doctors, pediatricians-in-training face a long haul to develop the skills and expertise to diagnose and treat children. Here’s how to become a pediatrician:

1. Get an undergraduate degree. First up, you’ll complete years of undergraduate study, which should include pre-medical courses in biology, chemistry, physics and math.
2. Take the Medical College Admission Test. Taking the MCAT – and earning a high score – is needed for entrance to medical school.
3. Complete medical school. Medical school is another four years, during which you’ll complete various clinical rotations in medicine.
4. Pass a licensure exam. You’ll need to pass a licensing exam before you can practice medicine. Graduates with an MD take the United States Medical Licensing Examination and those with a DO take the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination.
5. Undergo residency. Medical graduates complete at least three years of residency, when budding pediatricians receive additional training in various pediatric specialties.

Pediatricians who choose a subspecialty – like oncology or dermatology – can expect to spend additional time in a fellowship learning those catered skills.

Pediatricians must be licensed to practice, and licensing requirements vary by state.

Pediatricians may also receive their board certification through the American Board of Pediatrics. Though not required, it demonstrates advanced skill and knowledge. Becoming certified also helps many with getting more professional opportunities or a higher salary.